Swimsuit 2009

With faraway places on her mind, she spends this summer marketing a resort hotel in the tropical rainforest mountains of Costa Rica and wishing she had a place to call home where there’s a change of seasons. “I’m pretty goofy and awkward, yet nice and easy to get along with,” she says. “I’m a lot like Cameron Diaz, in any movie she plays in.” She enjoys watching Nancy Grace, Court TV and modeling and fashion, and brags that she once watched an autopsy without passing out. This USF alumna believes all that matters in life is love – the love of life, family, friends, and God – and the differences a person makes in the lives of others. “Be a good person, follow your dreams, and keep sight of what’s important. It’s that simple,” she says.

Nancy Sparks - 39 Restaurant owner When Nancy turned 39, she vowed she'd be in the best shape ever by her next birthday. She spent the next 11 months working out and eating right. Now, the former Hawaiian Tropic swimsuit contest winner is pleased to model the results of her effort in Swimsuit '09. An avid golfer who has shot a hole-in-one on the course near her Hunter's Ridge home, Nancy also enjoys jet skiing, boating, swimming, waterskiing, going to the beach and letting people know she married her soulmate and the love of her life, Jeremy Sparks. Together, they own a restaurant franchise in Iowa. One of the most important things Nancy believes is that where there's a will, there's a way. "I truly believe that if a person wants something badly enough and is willing to work hard for it, they can achieve it."

Carey Fullilove - 19 Student, Ave Maria University A double major, Carey could pursue many different career paths, but intends to focus on marketing and investments. She claims to have conquered all sports, but as captain of the womenâs collegiate basketball team, Carey received a Rheem Team student-athlete scholarship and won an Ave Maria Leadership Award. She is also good at gift-giving and loves driving manual-shift cars. At an age where she has confidence to put herself out there, the native Texan asserts, "I find everybody beautiful, but as athletes, many women are immediately passed off as not sexy." This summer, she'll visit her father and sister in Roatan, a small island in Central America, but dreams of listening to Jack Johnson on a beach in Hawaii. Carey's philosophy of life is to always be true to oneself. "At the end of the day when everything's past, ask yourself, "Am I still living up to my full potential?"" Follow Carey on Facebook or c.fullilove@hotmail.com

Carey is ready for adventure at the Beach Club Hotel in this zip-front, belted 'Bond' tank one-piece ($98) by Jag. Bracelet by M. Haskell.

Ashley Zynda - 26 Student, Florida Gulf Coast University "I wanted to be a swimsuit model, because I enjoy wearing them," says Ashley. "My favorite memory is of a candy cane-striped bikini that I had when I was 4, at the pool on Marco Island." She says she's really good at making people laugh. So good, in fact, that she's been told she's a lot like the character Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) in "Miss Congeniality" a quirky, loyal, hard worker who doesn't take herself too seriously. Ashley says she's proud of the closeness her family shares. She enjoys spending time with them, and looks forward vacationing together. Claiming to be able to hula-hoop for hours, Ashley revealed an inability to be around certain foods. "I have to vacate the vicinity if I even smell them, or I get sick. It can seem dramatic, so it can be embarrassing." She lives by the credo work hard and play harder, saying, âItâs important to find a balance between work and time for your self." Follow Ashley on Facebook

The flattering look of Jantzen is evident on Ashley in this twist-front bandeau top with foam cups ($60) and tie-back, rouched-side, skirted bottoms ($56). Bracelets by Robert Rose and M. Haskell.

Michelle Lee Price - 23 Coach & business owner Michelle is a self-confessed workaholic, coaching gymnastics and cheerleading, working as a bartender and starting her own handcrafted gifts and home decor business. She admits to being a social butterfly who believes that for people to be happy, they must do what they love and love what they do. Because she incorporates this philosophy into all aspects of her life, Michelle says she is a very happy girl. The Naples High and FSU alumna says she wouldn't change a thing about herself, because, "Then I wouldn't be me and wouldn't be able to do the things that I do and love!" Michelle says she has been blessed with the chance to teach some amazing students. "It is an incredible feeling to know that I have made an impact on their lives." She lives her life by the old adage, "Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching!" Follow Michelle on Facebook and Myspace or visit DesignsByMichelleLee.googlepages.com

Even the clouds are beautiful at Sand Dollar Island when Michelle wears 'Freshly Inked,' a slider halter with removable soft cups ($54) and tie-side hipster by Lucky Brand.

Matt Stolz - 21 Student, NOVA Southeastern Matt, who wouldn't mind being just a couple inches taller, listens to alternative Christian and rock music when he isn't teaching himself to cook. His proudest moment was his acceptance into NOVA's Optometry program. "To me, it is the culmination of years of hard work in and out of the classroom, as well as a giant step towards my ultimate goal of becoming an optometrist," he explains Comparing himself to Dr. Chase on "House M.D.," Matt observes that Chase is a nice guy and kind of a nerd, but with a cool side as well, very similar to his own personality. Matt's penchant for the out-of-doors has led him down an adventuresome path. "I don't know why I didn't mention SCUBA diving and kayaking in the interview," he says. "I love those things!" If he could be anywhere, Matt says, "I'd be in OSU's Ohio Stadium (the Horseshoe) while OSU is beating Michigan. It doesn't get any better than that!"

Sami Kennedy - 15 Student, Gulf Coast High Hoping one day to be a physical therapist, Sami is also interested in modeling. "When I saw the ad for swimsuit models, I looked at it as an opportunity to fulfill a dream," she said. "I'd never done swimsuit modeling before." It was fun, she reports, crediting the Citizen staff with making her feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. Born and raised in Naples, Sami wouldn't trade her hometown for anything. "Even though it is a thousand degrees most of the time, I love it," she says. With a host of academic awards and tennis titles under her belt, Sami stays busy. Between maintaining a 3.7 GPA and tennis training, the luxury of hanging out with friends is something she truly values. "I think one rule to live by is that you must think about life as a Monopoly game, and you have to learn how to play it," she says.

Samantha Brosseau - 22 Student, University of Massachusetts-Amherst Raised in a commune, Sam ran away from home at age 18, then finished her GED on her own and was admitted to college after many months of difficult paperwork. Now, she's working on a bachelor's degree in hospitality management while supporting herself in retail sales management. Because of her past, Sam is an extremely driven, motivated and persistent individual, who never lets circumstances prevent her from attaining her goals. "My philosophy on life is that no one can tell you that you aren't capable of fulfilling your dreams," she says. "My motto is, "They say it can't be done, watch me do it!" I will always be motivated by the idea that failure is inevitable when motivation is lost." "My mother was an amazing seamstress and she taught me how to sew. I made my first outfit at the age of 8. I have a strong interest in fashion and design," Sam says. .

Sam stands out in the Tigertail Beach moonlight with this "A to Zebra" ruffle detail swimdress, with removable soft cups and tummy control ($94) by Kenneth Cole Reaction.

Looking sultry in the surf, Sam models an "Island Solids" bandeau with hardware from ABS by Allen Schwartz ($73) and ring-side bottoms ($55).

Ron Trebilcock - 43 Video producer & fitness coach Ron says he became a swimsuit model to have some fun, but in truth, it was because the Cardinals lost the Super Bowl. The self-confessed jack-of-all-trades and master of none isn't afraid to let his sense of humor show through. When asked what the most fascinating thing about himself is, he replied, "I was once a highly requested piano player. My mother requested that I take lessons; my family requested that I stop." Ron enjoys most outdoor sports and says if he could go anywhere of his choosing, he'd be on a mountain, skiing with family and friends. He says his philosophy of life is to try and make someone smile or laugh every day. "Try it and see if it doesn't make your day better," he says. Here Ron relaxes at Lover's key in a pair of "Green Room 22" board shorts by Quicksilver ($49.50).

Plaids make a comeback for Ron in these Quicksilver 'Jigawatt' shorts ($52).

Mary Dent - 49 Stay-at-home mom Bodybuilding does not consume all of Mary's spare time. With children ages 19, 9 and 6, sheâs got a lot to keep her busy, including a trip to California this summer where they will enjoy Legoland and the Barbie Boutique. The registered nurse says she would like nothing more than to be on a lake, sitting on the bank fishing with her kids. Between caring for kids and her physician husband, Michael, Mary manages to serve on the Student Advisory Council committee, belong to Drug Free Collier and participate in Operation Medicine Cabinet. Her favorite pastime is meeting friends for breakfast gatherings where they vent and laugh a lot. Mary wanted to be a swimsuit model because she wanted to represent women in her age range and encourage other women to remember that age is only a number. "Modeling is always a possibility at any age," she says.

Melissa Campanella - 34 Personal trainer & fitness instructor Melissa says she is really good at motivating people to do their best and be the best they can be. âLife is full of ups and downs, struggles and obstacles,â she says. âKeep your head up, because in the challenges, youâll find the strength to move forward and become a happier and healthier you. Never let anyone take your energy.â Her favorite pastime is spending time with her two children, a source of tremendous pride, and she always has time for family and friends, no matter what is going on in her life. Melissa, who prefers relaxing in jeans and a baseball cap, saw swimsuit modeling as an opportunity to try something new and fun. She wishes she could realize itâs impossible to make everyone happy all the time, even though she is determined to continue trying. Enjoying the breeze at Naples Botanical Garden, Melissa wears La Blancaâs 'Wet & Wild' banded halter top with removable soft cups ($77) and matching tie-side hipster ($59). Chunk bracelet by M. Haskell.

Melissa is “Mod about You” in this very structured spliced underwire with removable cups ($58) and banded hipster with contrast waist ($50), by Kenneth Cole Reaction. Bead bracelet by Lyndell NYC.

Christopher Ciaffone - 19 Student, Heritage Institute Christopher admits to having been a fat kid in high school. Now, he says, “I wanted to be a swimsuit model because people have encouraged me to pursue modeling. I’ve trained a long time for the body I have,” Still, he wishes he could do something about his skinny legs. Hoping to become a personal trainer, Chris is multi-faceted, winning awards for art in high school. He is also good at most sports, writing and video games and plays lots of football in his spare time. His sisters are the pride of his life, because one is the smartest person he’s ever known and the other is a volleyball phenomenon. His rule for living is, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, it seems like everyone nowadays is always so stressed out. I think most people need to just take a moment to relax and focus on the positives instead of the negatives.” Follow Christopher on Facebook Here Chris enjoys scenic Lover’s Key in a “Green Room” swimsuit by Quicksilver ($49.50).

These Ralph Lauren 'Kailua' trunks are perfect for Chris to contemplate the universe ($75).